7th International Conference on
Cardiology

In 1999, Dr. Jose M. Zuniga assumed the role of President at the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care (IAPAC) after previously serving as the Vice President of the organization. During his tenure as Vice President, he oversaw the organization's efforts related to medical education and technical support. Dr. Zuniga has an extensive background in academia, having delivered lectures at various academic institutions. Furthermore, he has contributed to numerous journals, authored thematic chapters in four books, and edited three books: "The HIV Pandemic" (Oxford University Press, 2006), "Decade of HAART" (Oxford University Press, 2008), and "Advancing the Human Right to Health" (Oxford University Press, 2010). He also serves as the Editor of the Journal of the International Association of AIDS Care Providers (JIAPAC). Dr. Zuniga's contributions extend beyond IAPAC, as he is a member of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee and holds a position as an IAPAC Trustee. He is affiliated with the American Public Health Association and the National Hispanic Medical Association.

HIV/AIDS Research

Dr. Youyang Zhao, Ph.D., is the William G. Swartchild, Jr. Distinguished Research Professor at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago. He also leads the Program for Lung and Vascular Biology and heads the Injury Repair and Regeneration Research. Dr. Zhao holds positions at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in pediatrics, medicine (pulmonary and critical care), and pharmacology. He previously worked at the University of Illinois at Chicago and Pharmacia/Pfizer Co. Dr. Zhao earned his Ph.D. in molecular biology from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and completed postdoctoral work at Harvard University and UC San Diego.

Cardiovascular Diseases

Dr. Ellahham is a dedicated clinician with board certifications in internal medicine, vascular medicine, cardiology, and quality assurance. He earned his bachelor's and medical degrees from the American University of Beirut. After completing his cardiology residency at the Medical College of Virginia (MCV) in the U.S., he worked in various clinical and managerial roles in Washington DC before relocating to the UAE in 2008. Notably, Dr. Ellahham conducted the first AHA GWTG Heart Failure Initiative outside the U.S. and received the AHA GWTG Award for his contributions. He remains an active clinician and is recertified by the American Board of Cardiology. He's also a fellow of the American College of Cardiology and holds various roles in cardiology-related sections. Additionally, he serves as an editor for several medical journals and has been the Chief Quality Officer at SKMC since 2009, leading successful efforts to improve clinical quality, patient safety, and patient experience.

Dr. Ellahham is a passionate researcher with expertise in various fields, including heart failure, acute coronary syndromes, innovation, digital healthcare, telemedicine, blockchain, patient engagement, safety, risk management, and KPI management. He has received numerous research awards, such as the DuPont Pharmaceuticals Research Award, ACCP Young Investigator Award, Alfred Soffer Research Award, and recognition from the American Heart Association for his contributions to healthcare research.

A cardiologist holding the position of Vice-Director at the Onassis Cardiac-Surgery Center in Athens, Greece. Responsible for overseeing the clinical assessment, treatment, and conducting regular cardiac MRI examinations for heart patients. Additionally, serves as a visiting professor of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Takes charge of cardiovascular MRI research at the Onassis Cardiac Surgery Institution, a prominent healthcare facility in Athens, known for its active CMR research and publications. This includes conducting routine MRI scans for cases involving congenital heart disease, referred by cardiac surgeons, as well as cases related to ARVD, referred by fellow cardiologists.

Handles patients referred by hematologists for iron overload assessment due to thalassemia. Also evaluates cases of Duchenne and Becker myopathy referred by neurologists for pre-symptomatic cardiac involvement. Conducts cardiac examinations for individuals with cardiac aneurysms, ectasia, or Kawasaki syndrome requiring coronary MRA. Additionally, specializes in assessing vasculitis in rheumatoid arthritis patients and examining cardiac issues associated with various rheumatic conditions, with a particular focus on scleroderma. Proficient in diagnosing myocarditis related to infections, autoimmune disorders, and transplant rejection.

With a remarkable 35-year career in cardiovascular surgery, this individual has held the position of full professor in cardiovascular surgery since 1990. Additionally, they have served as the chairman of the cardiovascular surgery department at the University Hospital Marburg in Germany since 1994. Notably, they took part in two research sabbaticals at the Heinemann Research Institute, Carolinas Heart Center in Charlotte, NC, in 1989 and 1990, focusing on electrophysiology and arrhythmia laser surgery. Their professional affiliations include membership in organizations such as the DGTHG (German Society for Thorax, Heart, and Vascular Surgery), DIVI (German Society for Interdisciplinary Intensive Care Medicine), STS, AHA, and AAAS.

Specializes in a wide range of cardiovascular procedures, including Endovascular Surgery, TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation), Advanced Coronary Surgery, Arrhythmia Surgery, and Transmyocardial Laser Revascularization for Endstage Coronary Revascularization. Proficient in addressing Pericardial Diseases, ensuring effective Myocardial Protection during surgeries, and studying Psychological (Placebo) Effects in Cardiac Surgery.